NSQHS Standards updates and consultations

Workshop on implementing AS/NZS4187:2014

On 24 September 2019, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) hosted infection control and sterilisation experts, representatives of health service organisations and governments at a workshop on the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards requirements for reprocessing reusable medical devices.

Participants from the public and private sector across the acute, community, dental sectors and policy areas attended.

The workshop was convened to discuss issues health service organisations have identified with implementing the Standards Australia standard AS/NZS4187:2014: Reprocessing of Reusable Medical Devices in Health Service Organisations.

Workshop participants first heard from Mr Tim Cole, Manager of the Sterilizing Department of South Eastern Local Health District, who outlined the development of AS/NZS4187:2014 and how he had approached implementation of AS/NZS4187:2014. His key message was that ongoing and comprehensive monitoring is essential along with effective quality improvement systems.

Margaret Banks, Director of the Commission’s National Standards program reported on the results of a survey that asked health service organisations about implementing AS/NZS4187:2014. The Commission received over 470 responses to the survey and the results showed:

• Over 90% of respondents had completed a gap analysis as required by Advisory AS18/07
• Approximately 30% of organisations reported they currently comply with AS/NZS4187:2014, with an additional 50% expecting to comply by 2021.
• Most organisations (90%) identified implementation issues.

Participants recognised current sterilisation practices do not meet best practice and agreed AS/NZS4187:2014 and the standards that it references did provide a useful framework for improving the safety and effectiveness of processes for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical devices. Participants agreed simple guidance documents were required to assist health service organisations accurately interpret and apply these standards.

Workshop participants identified a range of strategies to support health service organisations comply with AS/NZS4187:2014 including:

• Clarifying and documenting the governance arrangements for sterilising service units
• Providing in-service and/or access to external training for sterilising technicians
• Developing interpretive and guidance documentation to support a better understanding of the requirements of AS/NZS4187:2014
• Implementing monitoring requirements for water quality as specified in the Standards Australia Amendment 2 to AS/NZS4187:2014
• Adopting a risk-management approach to the implementation of the requirements of AS/NZS4187:2014, prioritising high risk areas
• Using the organisations quality improvement systems to identify, implement and monitor improvements in safety and quality systems in the sterilising service unit. This may include adopting quality improvement systems such as ISO 13485: Medical devices—Quality management systems—Requirements for regulatory purposes
• Including sterilisation services unit equipment on the organisation’s preventative maintenance program.

It was agreed that the Commission would review Advisory 18/07 using the feedback provided by the workshop participants to clarify the requirements health service organisations must meet to comply with the requirements of NSQHS Standards Action 3.14.

The Commission is currently working with stakeholders to develop the final advisory. Further advice will be released publicly in November 2019.

Open consultation - Draft NSQHS Standards User guide for the review of clinical variation in health care

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is seeking feedback on the draft National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards User guide for the review of clinical variation in health care.

This guide explains how health service organisations can implement Action 1.28 of the Clinical Governance Standard. The intent of Action 1.28 is that health service organisations use data on clinical care processes and outcomes to identify unwarranted variation and to regularly review and improve the appropriateness of clinical care.

Target audience and purpose

This resource is for health service organisations implementing the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards: Clinical Governance Standard – Action1.28 Variation in clinical practice and health outcomes. The user guide includes actions for governing bodies, managers and clinical leaders.

Consultation dates

Consultation on this resource will be open until 31 October 2019.

Consultation questions

You are invited to provide feedback on the whole resource or specific components of the resource.

Included below are some questions that may help guide your feedback. You can answer all, some or none of the questions in your feedback. There is no word limit for your responses.

1. Usability: Is the information provided in the guide useful in implementing the NSQHS Standard: Action 1.28? Is there something else you consider should be included in the guide to further assist health service organisations implement Action 1.28?
2. Clarity and language: Could the language in this resource be improved, or is it clear and appropriate for use in your health service organisation? Does any of the content in this resource require further clarification or rewording? Please provide suggestions for these changes.
3. Gaps or duplication: Are there any gaps or duplication in the content?
4. Examples: Are there examples of current practice that could be included as a practice resource?
5. Other feedback: Please provide any other feedback you have on this resource.

Submitting your feedback

Our preferred method for receiving your feedback is by email: atlas@safetyandquality.gov.au

You may also mail your responses to:

Clinical Variation in Healthcare Consultation
GPO Box 5480
Sydney NSW 2001

Our contact details

If you have any questions in relation to this consultation, please contact the Commission at atlas@safetyandquality.gov.au

Closed consultation – Draft NSQHS Standards Aged care module

Consultation on the draft National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards Aged Care Module is now closed. The Commission is now reviewing the information received during the consultation process. This information will be used to finalise the resource.

Closed consultation – National Safety and Quality Primary Health Care Standards

Consultation on National Safety and Quality Primary Health Care Standards for providers other than general practices is now closed.

The Commission is now reviewing the information received during the consultation process. Further information about the consultation is located in the National Safety and Quality Primary Health Care Standards page.

Closed consultation – Draft NSQHS Standards User guide for medication management in cancer care

Consultation on the draft NSQHS Standards User guide for medication management in cancer care is now closed.

The Commission is now reviewing the information received during the consultation process. This information will be used to finalise the resource.